Best Haunted Houses and Scream Parks in the Hudson Valley

In the mood to get spooked? Here are the Valley’s top terror parks and haunted houses.

By Victor Massari and Chris Sommerfeldt

Published: 10/09/2015

One of the creatures you wouldn’t want to mess with at Tuxedo Park’s Forest of Fear

Photograph by Ron Frary

Think you’ve got what it takes to handle creepy haunted houses, chainsaw-wielding maniacs, or an endless corn maze? Leave the kiddies at home and test your tolerance for all things terrifying at one of these scream parks.

This natural beef farm in Middletown hosts a series of five “Fright Nights” — on October 13, 19, 20, 26, and 27. Strobe lights, chainsaws, and “live corpses” will be a part of the show, which begins at 7 p.m. each night. If you want $1 off your ticket, donate any panty item.

Formerly known as Terrordome, Goblin’s Hollow intends to bring “a new breed of terror” to the Hudson Valley. The site features three haunted attractions, including “Backwoods,” “Barn of Terror,” and “Zombie Tag.” The gates open in October on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. If you want half-priced tickets, come on opening night on September 29. On all other nights, tickets are $25.

For 16 years, The Barn of Terror has been scaring visitors who dare to walk through the haunted house and corn maze. The barn is darker than black and require visitors to cling to one of the walls to find their way. Be warned: what you touch on the wall isn't just stone or brick. Enter at your own risk, and only if you love a good thrill.

Boasting an extensive calendar of horror, the Headless Horseman — which, year after year, is named one of the best scream parks in the country by Haunt World Magazine — features six different haunted houses, one horrid hayride, a cold corn maze, and a wicked walk-through. Tickets range around $40; children younger than 15 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

Philipsburg Manor transforms into a terrifying landscape ruled by the undead, the evil, and the insane. Those who dare to enter walk down a haunted trail and come across scenes of a town run by the Headless Horseman. This is Sleepy Hollow’s premier haunted attraction, right in the heart of the village. Tickets are $15 to $25 and must be purchased in advance. Horseman's Hollow is not suitable for small children or the faint of heart.

Celebrating its 42nd year of fear, the Haunted Mansion is home to three new attractions: Hotel Ravenscroft, Forest of Evil, and The Experiment. Beginning Saturday, September 29, the McCurdy Mansion stays open each Friday, Saturday, and Sunday throughout October, with Kids’ Days — in which little tykes can paint pumpkins, enjoy magic shows and arts and crafts, and trick-or-treat alongside friendly monsters — on October 8. General admission, which includes access to all three separate attractions, is $25.

Monroe’s blood-curdling Pure Terror Scream Park opened on Saturday, September 22, and intends to spread horror through Saturday, November 3. Tickets can be purchased online or on the premises (booths open up at 7:30 p.m. in September and at 7 p.m. in October and November). Prices range from $40-$60, with various discount, deals, and VIP offers.